US20170280884A1

US20170280884A1 - Electric air pump

Info

Publication number: US20170280884A1
Application number: US15/391,529
Authority: US
Inventors: Feng Liu
Original assignee: Bestway Inflatables and Material Corp
Current assignee: Bestway Inflatables and Material Corp
Priority date: 2016-04-05
Filing date: 2016-12-27
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Also published as: CN205779791U9; CN205779791U; EP3228870A1

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electric air pump which includes: a first housing including a cavity; a first air pump arranged inside the cavity, the first air pump being provided with a fan blade cover that divides the cavity into a fan blade cavity and a driving cavity; a switch driving device arranged inside the driving cavity, connected to the first air pump, and adapted to drive a switching between air passages; an air pressure sensor arranged inside the driving cavity for detecting an internal pressure value of an inflatable body; a central control unit arranged inside the driving cavity and electrically connected to the first air pump, the switch driving device, and the air pressure sensor; and at least one panel covering the cavity opening of the cavity. The electric air pump can precisely control an inflation pressure, and automatically and silently supplement air via an air supplement pump.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 201620276106.9, filed on Apr. 5, 2016, and entitled “INTELLIGENT ELECTRIC AIR PUMP”, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to air pump control technology, and more particularly, to an electric air pump suitable for an airbed and for charging air into or discharging air from an airbed.

BACKGROUND

Airbed is becoming more and more popular and is suitable for camping and serving as a household spare mattress for a guest's temporary use, given its advantages such as small in volume, easy to carry and store, etc. The airbed at least includes one inflatable air cavity. Usually, a conventional air-charging device, such as a manually operated air pump or a hand-held electric air pump, is used to charge air into the airbed and supplement air for the airbed when internal pressure of the airbed attenuates. There is another type of conventional electric air pump, which is a built-in electric air pump mounted on a side wall of the airbed, to charge air into or discharge air from the airbed. Commonly, the built-in electric air pump includes a first housing and a motor, a fan blade, a blade cover and a manually operated air passage switch device arranged inside the first housing, the first housing is provided with a one-way valve thereon, and the motor rotates in high speed after being powered on and drives the impeller to rotate, so as to charge air into or discharge air from the airbed.
Conventional air-charging devices have many disadvantages. For example, since the air cavity of the airbed has a relatively large volume, it is a time-consuming and laborious work to charge the airbed using the manually operated air pump and the hand-held electric air pump. In addition, the user can not precisely control an inflation pressure value. As a result, the airbed is easy to be damaged if the inflation pressure value is too high or needs to be supplemented with air frequently if the inflation pressure value is insufficient, which both will cause many operational inconveniences to the user. Even though the conventional built-in air pump possesses air charging and air discharging functions, manual operation is also needed to switch air passages for the air charging, discharging and pump closing processes. Similar to the manually operated air pump and the hand-held electric air pump, the conventional built-in electric air pump can not precisely control the inflation pressure value, and may cause damage of the airbed and affect service life of the product.

SUMMARY

With respect to disadvantages and deficiencies of above described existing technology, the present disclosure provides a brand new electric air pump which is directed to determine a following operating mode according to an internal pressure value of an inflatable body, so as to avoid problems of over-charging or under-charging. Moreover, an air supplement pump is further arranged outside a main air pump for specially supplementing air, so as to maintain a relatively stable internal pressure value and further to reduce power consumption.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electric air pump is provided, which includes: a first housing including a cavity with a cavity opening, the cavity defining a space; a first air pump arranged inside the cavity for charging air into an inflatable body or discharging air from the inflatable body, the first air pump being provided with a fan blade cover, the fan blade cover dividing the cavity into a fan blade cavity and a driving cavity, and the driving cavity being in communication with an external space; a switch driving device arranged inside the driving cavity, connected to the first air pump, and adapted to drive a switching between two or more air passages; an air pressure sensor arranged inside the driving cavity and in communication with the inflatable body for detecting an internal pressure value of the inflatable body; a central control unit arranged inside the driving cavity and electrically connected to the first air pump, the switch driving device, and the air pressure sensor; and at least one panel covering the cavity opening of the cavity.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, a first vent hole is arranged on the panel, and a vent pipe in communication with the first vent hole is arranged at the first vent hole.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes a first input unit connected to the central control unit, wherein the first input unit is provided with at least one of an inflating signal input device for sending an inflating signal to the central control unit, a deflating signal input device for sending a deflating signal to the central control unit, and a stop sign input device for sending a stop signal to the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first input unit includes a first inflating signal input device, a second inflating signal input device, and a third inflating signal input device corresponding to three different predetermined inflation pressure values respectively.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first input unit includes an inflation pressure input device for manually setting an inflation pressure value, the inflation pressure input device being provided with at least one pressure setting button and a switch button.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first input unit is a first touch screen.
Optionally, the first input unit is arranged on the panel.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes: a first display unit arranged on the panel, connected to the central control unit, and receiving a display signal generated by the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first display unit is an electronic display screen, a display lamp, or a second touch screen. In some embodiments, the second touch screen and the first touch screen may be a common component.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first air pump includes: the fan blade cover having a first air inlet and a first air outlet; an impeller arranged inside the fan blade cavity; and a motor arranged inside the driving cavity and arranged on the fan blade cover, the motor being connected to the central control unit, a rotary shaft of the motor passing through the first air inlet and being connected to the impeller, and the switch driving device being connected to the first air outlet.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, a probe of the air pressure sensor is arranged inside the driving cavity and in communication with a pressure measuring hole on the first housing, the pressure measuring hole being in communication with the inflatable body.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the probe of the air pressure sensor is positioned in the pressure measuring hole.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the probe of the air pressure sensor is in communication with the inflatable body via a pressure-measuring air tube which has two ends respectively connected to the probe and the pressure measuring hole.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first housing includes a second vent hole in communication with the inflatable body, with a one-way valve arranged at the second vent hole.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the switch driving device includes: a motor drive unit connected to the central control unit, the central control unit being adapted to send a starting signal to activate the motor, and an air passage switch device connected to a first air outlet of the first air pump and in communication with a first vent hole of the panel and the second vent hole of the first housing, wherein the air passages includes an inflation air passage, a deflating air passage and a closed air passage.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the switch driving device further includes: at least one position signal generating device arranged inside the driving cavity and connected to the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the central control unit includes: a main control unit arranged inside the driving cavity and connected to the first air pump, the switch driving device, and the air pressure sensor, and an input control unit connected to the main control unit and the first input unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the position signal generating device includes: a first position signal generating device, wherein the first position signal generating device is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device, when the air passage switch device is switched to the inflation air passage, to generate a first position signal and send the same to the central control unit; a second position signal generating device, wherein the second position signal generating device is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device, when the air passage switch device is switched to the deflating air passage, to generate a second position signal and send the same to the central control unit; and a third position signal generating device, wherein the third position signal generating device is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device, when the air passage switch device is switched to the closed air passage, to generate a third position signal and send the same to the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first, the second, or the third position signal generating device is a microswitch, a photoelectric switch, or a reed switch.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the air passage switch device includes: an outer pipe in communication with the second vent hole of the first housing and connected to an air outlet of the fan blade cover; and an inner pipe, wherein the inner pipe is partially arranged inside the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is adapted to move axially and fitted rotatably in the outer pipe, wherein a first end of the inner pipe is in communication with a first vent hole of the panel.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the outer pipe includes: a first opening positioned at a first end of the outer pipe, the inner pipe being arranged inside the outer pipe via the first opening; a second opening positioned at a second end of the outer pipe and connected to the second vent hole; a third opening positioned on the pipe wall of the outer pipe and in communication with the driving cavity; a fourth opening positioned on the pipe wall of the outer pipe and align axially to the third opening, the four opening being in communication with the driving cavity; and an air inlet passage connected to a first air outlet of the fan blade cover.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the inner pipe includes: a fifth opening positioned at the first end of the inner pipe, the inner pipe being partially and movably sheathed on the outer side of the vent pipe via the fifth opening; a sixth opening positioned at a second end of the inner pipe and in communication with the second vent hole; a seventh opening positioned on the pipe wall of the inner pipe; an eighth opening positioned on the pipe wall of the inner pipe opposite to the seventh opening; and a spacer arranged inside the inner pipe and dividing the interior of the inner pipe into an upper room and a lower room isolated from each other, the seventh opening and eighth opening being respectively arranged on two sides of the spacer.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the outer pipe further includes a slideway arranged on the pipe wall of the outer pipe and has an arc shape which is high in the middle and low at both ends; and the inner pipe further includes a sliding block which is arranged on the outer surface of the inner pipe and which is arranged to slide within the slideway so that the inner pipe rotates while axially moves.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the one-way valve includes: a valve plate for covering said second vent hole, said valve plate being provided with a seal ring; a valve rod connected to the valve plate and provided at an end with a position limiting element; a support frame arranged inside the second vent hole, the valve rod passing through the support frame and being adapted to move axially; and a spring sheathed on the outer side of the valve rod between the position limiting element and support frame, so that the valve plate closes the second vent hole.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first housing further includes a protection cover covering the second vent hole to protect the one-way valve.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the inner pipe further includes: a first transmission gear arranged on the outside of the first end of the inner pipe; a first bump arranged on the outside of the first end of the inner pipe for triggering the third position signal generating device; and a second bump arranged on the outside of the first end of the inner pipe and at a position opposite to the first bump for triggering the first position signal generating device or the second position signal generating device.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the motor drive unit further includes: a driving motor; a second transmission gear connected to a rotary shaft of the driving motor and fitted with the first transmission gear, and a motor stand connected to the outer pipe, the driving motor being mounted on the motor stand, the driving motor driving the first transmission gear via the second transmission gear so that the inner pipe rotates within the outer pipe.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes: a first wireless communication module in communication connection with the central control unit; and a mobile terminal provided with a second input unit and a second wireless communication module in communication connection with the first wireless communication module, the second input unit being in communication connection with the central control unit via the second wireless communication module and the first wireless communication module, the second input unit being provided with at least one of an inflating signal input device for sending an inflating signal to the central control unit, a deflating signal input device for sending a deflating signal to the central control unit, and a stop signal input device for sending a stop signal to the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the second input unit further includes a first inflating signal input device, a second inflating signal input device and a third inflating signal input device corresponding to three different predetermined inflation pressure values respectively.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the second input unit further comprises an inflation pressure input device for manually setting an inflation pressure value through the mobile terminal and sending the inflation pressure value to the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the mobile terminal further includes a second display unit in communication connection with the central control unit via the second wireless communication module and the first wireless communication module, wherein the display unit receives a display signal generated by the central control unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module are WIFI modules, Bluetooth modules, infrared modules, second-generation mobile communication modules, third-generation mobile communication modules, or fourth-generation mobile communication modules.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes: a functional unit connected to the central control unit and receiving a control signal from the central control unit, wherein the first input unit further includes a signal input device for the functional unit, wherein the first input unit sends a control signal for the functional unit to the central control unit via the signal input device for the functional unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the second input unit further includes a signal input device for the functional unit.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the functional unit includes: a temperature controller and a heating unit adapted to be mounted on the inflatable body, an external audio unit, an external lighting unit, and/or an external interface.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the motor is a variable speed motor.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes: a second air pump connected to the central control unit for supplementing air for the inflatable body, wherein the second air pump further includes: a second air inlet for allowing air from the external space to enter the second air pump, and a second air outlet in communication with the inflatable body.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes: a shock absorber, at least a first end of the shock absorber being connected to the second air pump.
Optionally, the above described electric air pump further includes: a first mounting frame connected to the first housing, a second end of the shock absorber being connected to the first mounting frame.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the second air pump is arranged inside the driving cavity, the second air outlet is in communication with the inflatable body via an air supplement pipe, one end of the air supplement pipe is connected to the second air outlet, and the other end is connected to an air supplement port positioned on the first housing.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the second air pump includes a one-way valve connected to the air supplement pipe for blocking the air in the inflatable body flowing to the external space after the second air pump stops.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump further includes: a second housing including a box-shaped cavity provided with a cavity opening, and a second air outlet, wherein the second air pump is arranged inside the second housing, and a second panel covering the cavity opening of the second housing, the second panel being provided with a second air inlet.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump further includes: at least one shock absorber, a first end of the at least one shock absorber being connected to the second air pump.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump further includes: a second mounting frame connected to the second housing, a second end of the shock absorber being connected to the second mounting frame.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump, the second air pump is a silent diaphragm pump.
Optionally, in the above described electric air pump further includes: a controller, wherein the controller is provided with the first input unit.
The electric air pump provided by the present disclosure possesses at least the following technical features:
1. inflation pressure can be precisely controlled, therefore, airbed damage caused by a too high inflation pressure or a problem of a too low inflation pressure can be avoided;
2. various predetermined inflation pressure values can be selected in the inflating process, therefore, the product has a high comfort level;
3. simple and convenient to operate, the air pump automatically stops after the inflating process realizes the predetermined pressure value or after a deflating process is finished, there is no need to manually turn off the power and switch the air passage switch device; and
4. in usage, if the internal pressure of the airbed is lower than the predetermined pressure value, the air pump can automatically and silently supplement air, and automatically stop the supplementing process when the internal pressure reaches the predetermined pressure value, the user does not need to operate manually.
It should be understood that, the above general description and the following detailed description are just for giving an example and for illustrating, and are directed to provide further explanation for technical solutions as recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are used for providing further illustrations to the present disclosure, which are recorded as a part of the present application. The drawings show embodiments of the present disclosure, and play a role of explaining principles of the present disclosure along with the present detailed description. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a front view of an electric air pump according one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a rear view of the electric air pump shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the electric air pump shown in FIG. 1 from a first perspective.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the electric air pump shown in FIG. 1 from a second perspective.

FIGS. 5 to 7 schematically illustrate three-dimension views of a first air pump and a drive switch device from different angles.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an air passage switch device which is switched to an inflation air pressure.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an air passage switch device which is switched to a deflating air passage.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an air passage switch device which is switched to a closed air passage.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an exploded view of a one-way valve according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates one embodiment with a second air pump independently disposed.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a line-controlled electric air pump.

FIGS. 14 and 15 schematically illustrate exploded views of a first air pump and a drive switch device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The disclosure will be described with reference to certain embodiments which are exemplarily shown in the drawings. Under any possible circumstances, all the drawings will use a same label to represent a same or a similar part. In addition, even though terms used in the present disclosure are selected from terminologies publicly and commonly used, some of the terms mentioned in the detailed description of the present disclosure may be selected by the applicant according to his or her judgement, and meanings of these terms will be illustrated in corresponding parts of the description. Furthermore, the present disclosure should not be understood only through the terms used, but also through meanings of each term.
Firstly, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, an electric air pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The electric air pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 mainly includes: a first air pump 101, a switch driving device 102, an air pressure sensor 149, a central control unit 103 and a first housing 104.
The first air pump 101 is configured to charge air into or discharge air from an inflatable body (e.g., an airbed).
The switch driving device 102 is connected to the first air pump 101 and is adapted to drive a switching between two or more air passages.
The air pressure sensor 149 is in communication with the inflatable body for detecting an internal pressure value of the inflatable body.
The central control unit 103 is connected with the first air pump 101, the switch driving device 102 and the air pressure sensor 149. The central control unit 103 is adapted to send a driving signal to drive the switch driving device 102 to activate the switching between the air passages, and send a starting signal or a stop signal to the first air pump 101 according to the internal pressure value of the inflatable body detected by the air pressure sensor 149 and a predetermined inflation pressure value for activating or stopping the first air pump 101.
The first air pump 101, the air pressure sensor 149 and the central control unit 103 are arranged inside the first housing 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 104 is arranged with a panel 105 thereon, wherein the panel 105 covers one side of the first housing 104. The panel 105 is arranged with a first vent hole 106 thereon.
In addition, the panel 105 further includes a first input unit. The first input unit is connected to the central control unit 103. The first input unit may be provided with at least one of an inflating signal input device, a deflating signal input device and a stop signal input device. In particular, the inflating signal input device is used for sending an inflating signal to the central control unit 103; the deflating signal input device is used for sending deflating signal to the central control unit 103; and the stop signal input device is used for sending a stop signal to the central control unit 103.
For example, in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first input unit includes a first inflating signal input device: 107-1, a second inflating signal input device 107-2, a third inflating signal input device 107-3, which respectively correspond to different predetermined inflation pressure values, and a deflating signal input device 107-4. As an example, when any one of the four input devices is pressed for the first time, a corresponding inflating signal or a deflating signal will be sent to the central control unit 103, and when the input device is pressed once again, a corresponding stop signal is generated. Of course, an additional stop signal input device is also appropriate for the present disclosure.
In addition, even not shown in the drawings, the electric air pump in the present disclosure may include an inflator pressure input device for manually setting an inflation pressure value. The inflation pressure input device is provided with at least one pressure setting button and a switch button. Wherein, the at least one pressure setting button may be a keypad with numbers from 0 to 9 thereon for inputting the predetermined pressure value, or may be a keypad with plus and minus thereon for respectively indicating increasing or decreasing a pressure value.
Even in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first input unit is realized by way of multiple buttons, other embodiments of the present disclosure may use a first touch screen to realize the first input unit. That is to say, an input interface and an input keypad may be displayed on the first input unit for facilitating users operation.
In some embodiments, the central control unit 103 may further include a main control unit 103-1 and an input control unit 103-2. The main control unit 103-1 is arranged inside a driving cavity and is connected to the first air pump 101, the switch driving device 102 and the air pressure sensor 149. The input control unit 103-2 is connected to the main control unit 103-1 and the first input unit.
The electric air pump 100 may further include a first display unit arranged on the panel 105. The first display unit is connected to the central control unit 103 and is adapted to receive a display signal generated by the central control unit 103. For example, in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first display unit may be a display lamp 134 arranged behind the first inflating signal input device 107-1, the second inflating signal input device 107-2, the third inflating signal input device 107-3 and the deflating signal input device 107-4 which are transparent or semitransparent, as shown in FIG. 3. Or, the first display unit may be realized by way of an electronic display screen or a second touch screen. It should be noted that, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second touch screen and the first touch screen may be a common component.
Now switching to FIGS. 5 to 7, detailed structures of the first air pump and the switch driving device are illustrated.
In one aspect, according to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first air pump 101 further includes: a fan blade cover 108, an impeller 109 (referring to FIG. 8) and a motor 110.
The fan blade cover 108 is connected to the first housing 104 and separates the cavity of the first housing 104 into a fan blade cavity and a driving cavity which is in communicate with external space. The fan blade cover 108 is arranged with a first air inlet 111 and a first air outlet 143. The impeller 109 is arranged inside the fan blade cavity. The motor 110 is arranged inside the driving cavity and is arranged on the fan blade cover 108, and the motor 110 is connected to the central control unit 103. A rotary shaft of the motor 110 passes through the first air inlet 111 and is connected to the impeller 109. The switch driving device 102 is connected to the first air outlet 143. Preferably, the motor 110 may be a variable speed motor which can implement a normal inflating process in high speed and implement an air supplementing process in low speed, like the way as will be illustrated below.
As one example, the air pressure sensor 149 is arranged inside the driving cavity and is in communicate with the inflatable body via a pressure-measuring air tube 112 (referring to FIGS. 2 to 4). In this example, the pressure-measuring air tube 112 has one end connected to the air pressure sensor 149, and another end connected to a pressure measuring hole 142 arranged on the first housing 104, wherein the pressure measuring hole 142 is in communication with the inflatable body.
As another example, the air pressure sensor 149 may be arranged inside the driving cavity. A probe 150 of the air pressure sensor 149 is arranged inside the driving cavity and is in communication with the pressure measuring hole 142 positioned on the first housing 104, wherein the pressure measuring hole 142 is in communication with the inflatable body. Or, the probe 150 of the air pressure sensor 149 is positioned at the pressure measuring hole 142, or is in communication with the inflatable body via the pressure-measuring tube 112 whose two ends are respectively connected to the probe 150 and the pressure measuring hole 142.
In addition, the first housing 104 is further arranged with a second vent hole 123 (referring to FIG. 11) which is in communication with the inflatable body, wherein a one-way valve 118 is arranged at the second vent hole 123. Functions of the second vent hole 123 will be illustrated in detail hereinafter in combination with FIGS. 8 to 10.
In another aspect, according to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, 14 and 15, the switch driving device 102 is arranged inside the driving cavity, and the switch driving device 102 may include a motor drive unit 102-1 and an air passage switch device 102-2.
Wherein, the motor drive unit 102-1 is connected to the central control unit 103, so that the central control unit 103 is adapted to send a starting signal to activate the motor 128. The air passage switch device 102-2 is connected to a first air outlet 143 of the first air pump 101 and is in communication with a first vent hole 106 of the panel 105 and the second vent hole 123 of the first housing 104. The motor drive unit 102-1 drives the air passage switch device 102-2 to activate the switching between the air passages, wherein the air passages include an inflation air passage, a deflating air passage and a closed air passage.
Preferably, the switch driving device 102 may further include at least one position signal generating device 113. The position signal generating device 113 is arranged inside the driving cavity and is connected to the central control unit 103, and the position signal generating device 113 is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device 102-2 to send a position signal to the central control unit 103.
In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, 14 and 15, the position signal generating device 113 may include a first position signal generating device 113-1, a second position signal generating device 113-2 and a third position signal generating device 113-3. The first position signal generating device 113-1 is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device 102-2, when the air passage switch device 102-2 is switched to the inflation air passage, to generate a first position signal and send the same to the central control unit 103. The second position signal generating device 113-2 is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device 102-2, when the air passage switch device 102-2 is switched to the deflating air passage, to generate a second position signal and send the same to the central control unit 103. The third position signal generating device 113-3 is configured to be triggered by the air passage switch device 102-2, when the air passage switch device 102-2 is switched to the closed air passage, to generate a third position signal and send the same to the central control unit 103. The first, the second or the third position signal generating device 113-1 to 113-3 as described above is a microswitch (in the present embodiment). Certainly, the first, the second or the third position signal generating device may be a photoelectric switch, or a reed switch, etc.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, 14 and 15, the air passage switch device 102-2 may include an outer pipe 114 and an inner pipe 115. The outer pipe 114 is in communication with the second vent hole 123 of the first housing 104 and is connected to an air outlet 143 of the fan blade cover 108. The inner pipe 115 is adapted to move axially and fitted rotatably in the outer pipe 114. A first end of the inner pipe 115 is in communication with the first vent hole 106 of the panel 105. The motor drive unit 102-1 activates the switching between the air passages through driving the inner pipe 115.
Specifically, in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the outer pipe 114 may further include: a first opening 201 positioned at a first end of the outer pipe 114 (the inner pipe 115 is arranged inside the outer pipe 114 via the first opening 201), a second opening 202 positioned at a second end of the outer pipe 114 (the second opening 202 is connected to the second vent hole 123), a third opening 203 arranged on a pipe wall of the outer pipe 114 (the third opening 203 is in communication with the driving cavity), a fourth opening 204 positioned on the pipe wall of the outer pipe 114 (the fourth opening 204 aligns axially to the third opening 203 and is in communication with the driving cavity), and an air inlet passage 200 connected to the first air outlet 143 of the fan blade cover 108.
The inner pipe 115 may further include: a fifth opening 205 positioned at the first end of the inner pipe 115, a sixth opening 206 positioned at a second end of the inner pipe 115 and in communication with the second vent hole, a seventh opening 207 positioned on the pipe wall of the inner piper 115, an eighth opening 208 located on the pipe wall of the inner pipe 115 opposite to the seventh opening 207, and a spacer 151 arranged inside the inner pipe 115. Wherein, the inner pipe 115 is partially and movably sheathed on an outer side of a vent pipe 148 via the fifth opening 105. The spacer 151 is arranged inside the inner pipe 115 and divides the interior of the inner pipe 115 into an upper room and a lower room isolated from each other. The seventh opening 207 and the eighth opening 208 are respectively arranged on two sides of the spacer 151. When the third opening 203 corresponds to the seventh opening 207 and the eighth opening 208 corresponds to the air inlet passage 200, the air passage switch device 102-2 switches to the inflation air passage. When the fourth opening 204 corresponds to the eighth opening 208 and the seventh opening 207 corresponds to the air inlet passage 200, the air passage switch device 102-2 switches to the deflating air passage. When the seventh opening 207 does not correspond to the third opening 203 and the air inlet passage 200, and the eighth opening 208 does not correspond to the fourth opening 204 and the air inlet passage 200, the air passage switch device 102-2 switches to the closed air passage.
Back to FIGS. 5 to 7, 14 and 15, in the preferable embodiment as shown, the inner pipe 115 may further include a first transmission gear 125, a first bump 126 and a second bump 127. The first transmission gear 125 is arranged on an outside of the first end of the inner pipe 115. The first bump 126 is arranged on the outside of the first end of the inner pipe 115 for triggering the third position signal generating device 113-3 when the inner pipe 115 rotates. The second bump 127 is arranged on the outside of the first end of the inner pipe 115 and at a position opposite to the first bump 126 for triggering the first position signal generating device 113-1 or the second position signal generating device 113-2 when the inner pipe 115 rotates.
In the preferable embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, 14 and 15, the motor drive unit 102-1 may further include: a driving motor 128, a second transmission gear 129 and a motor stand 130.
The second transmission gear 129 is connected to a rotary shaft of the driving motor 128 and fitted with the first transmission gear 125. The motor stand 130 is connected to the outer pipe 114, and the driving motor 128 is mounted on the motor stand 130. The driving motor 128 drives the first transmission gear 125 via the second transmission gear 129 so that the inner pipe 115 rotates within the outer pipe 114.
In addition, the outer pipe 114 may include a slideway 116, and the inner pipe may correspondingly include a sliding block 117, as shown in FIG. 7. The slideway 116 is arranged on the pipe wall of the outer pipe 114 and has an arc shape which is high in the middle and low at both ends. The sliding block 117 is arranged on the outer surface of the inner pipe 115. The sliding block 117 is arranged to slide within the slideway 116 so that the inner pipe 115 rotates while axially moves.
When rotates the inner pipe 115 to make the sliding block 117 move to a first end of the slideway 116, the inner pipe 115 axially moves along a direction towards the second vent hole 123, the third opening 203 corresponds to the seventh opening 207 and the eighth opening 208 corresponds to the inlet air passage 200, the air passage switch device 102-2 switches to the inflation air passage, and the spacer 151 opens the one-way valve 118 at the same time, as shown in FIG. 8.
When rotates the inner pipe 115 to make the sliding block 117 move to a second end of the slideway 116, the inner pipe 115 axially moves along the direction towards the second vent hole 123, the fourth opening 204 corresponds to the eighth opening 208 and the seventh opening 207 corresponds to the air inlet passage 200, the air passage switch device 102-2 switches to the deflating air passage, and the inner pipe 115 opens the one-way valve 118, as shown in FIG. 9.
When the sliding block 117 moves to the arc shaped bottom of the slideway 116, the inner pipe 115 axially moves along a direction away from the second vent hole 123, the inner pipe 115 releases the force imposed onto the one-way valve 118, the air passage switch device 102-2 switches to the closed air passage, and the one-way valve 118 is closed for blocking air flowing between the inflatable body and the outer space, as shown in FIG. 10.
Now switching to FIG. 11, an exploded diagram of the one-way valve according to one embodiment is illustrated. Wherein, the one-way valve 118 may include a valve plate 119, a valve rod 120, a support frame 121 and a spring 122. The valve plate 119 is used for covering the cover the second vent hole 123. The valve plate 119 is provided with a seal ring. The valve rod 120 is connected to the valve plate 119, and the valve rod 120 is provided at an end with a position limiting element 155. The support frame 121 is arranged inside the second vent hole 123, and the valve rod 120 passes through a hole of the support frame 121 and is adapted to move axially. The spring 122 is sheathed on the outer side of the valve rod 120 between the position limiting element 155 and the support frame 121, so that the valve plate 119 closes the second vent hole 123.
When the inner pipe 115 axially moves along the direction towards the second vent hole 123, the spacer 151 of the inner pipe 115 pushes the valve rod 120 to make the valve plate 119 move axially, so that the second vent hole 123 is opened.
In addition, when the inner pipe 115 axially moves along the direction away from the second vent hole 123, the spacer 151 of the inner pipe 115 releases the force imposed onto the one-way valve 118, the valve plate 119 covers the second vent hole 123 due to an elastic force of the spring 122.
Preferably, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 11, in order to protect the one-way valve 118, the first housing 103 may further include a protection cover 124 covering the second vent hole 123.
As another aspect of the present embodiment, the electric air pump 100 may implement control through a mobile terminal. In this embodiment, the electric air pump 100 may include a first wireless communication module (not shown) in communication connection with the central control unit 103 and a mobile terminal (not shown) adapted to implement remote control.
The mobile terminal may be provided with a second input unit and a second wireless communication module in communication connection with the first wireless communication module. The second input unit may be in communication connection with the central control unit 103 via the second wireless communication module and the first wireless communication module. The first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module may be a WIFI module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared module, a second generation mobile communication module, a third generation mobile communication module or a fourth generation mobile communication module.
Similar to the first input unit as discussed above, the second input unit may at least be provided with at least one of an inflating signal input device, a deflating signal input device and a stop signal input device. The inflating signal input device is used for sending an inflating signal to the central control unit 103; the deflating signal input device is used for sending a deflating signal to the central control unit 103; and the stop signal input device is used for sending a stop signal to the central control unit 103. For example, the second input unit may further include a first inflating signal input device, a second inflating signal input device and a third inflating signal input device respectively corresponding to three different pressure values, and a manually operated inflation pressure input device adapted to manually set a pressure value via the mobile terminal and send the same to the central control unit.
In addition, the mobile terminal may further include a second display unit. The second display unit is in communication connection with the central control unit 103 via the second wireless communication module and the first wireless communication module, and is adapted to receive a display signal generated by the central control unit 103.
As such, the user can implement control to the electric air pump 100 via the second input unit of the mobile terminal.
As another aspect of the present embodiment, the electric air pump 100 may further include multiple auxiliary functional units. For example, the functional units may include, but not limited to, a temperature controller and a heating unit adapted to be mounted on the inflatable body, an external audio unit, an external lighting unit, and/or an external interface, etc. In this embodiment, the functional unit is adapted to be connected to the central control unit 103 and receive a control signal from the central control unit 103. The first input unit further includes a functional unit signal input device, wherein the first input unit sends a control signal for the functional unit to the central control unit 103 via the functional unit signal input device. Similarly, in the embodiment with the additional mobile terminal, the second input unit of the mobile terminal may also have a functional unit signal input device.
As another aspect of the present disclosure, the electric air pump 100 may further include a second air pump 131 for supplementing air for the inflatable body, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12.
The second air pump 131 is connected to the central control unit 103, and further includes: a second air inlet (not shown) and a second air outlet 152. The second air inlet is adapted to allow air from the external space to enter the second air pump 131, and the second air outlet 152 is in communication with the inflatable body.
At least a first end of a shock absorber 144 is connected to the second air pump 131. A first mounting frame 147 is connected to the first housing, and a second end of the shock absorber 144 is connected to the first mounting frame 147.
After the internal pressure value of the inflatable body reaches a predetermined pressure value, the central control unit 103 sends an activating signal to the second air pump 131 if the air pressure sensor 149 detects that the internal pressure of the inflatable body reaches a predetermined air supplement pressure value. When the air pressure sensor 149 detects that the internal pressure of the inflatable body reaches the predetermined inflation pressure value once again, a stop signal will be sent to the second air pump 131. The predetermined air supplement pressure value is smaller than or equal to the predetermined inflation pressure value.
As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second air pump 131 is arranged inside the first housing 104, for example inside the driving cavity of the first housing 104. The second air pump 131 and the first air pump 101 are isolated by a bracket 136. The second air outlet 152 is in communication with the inflatable body via an air supplement pipe 146. The air supplement pipe 146 has one end connected to the second air outlet 152, and another end connected to an air supplement port 141 positioned on the first housing 104. In this embodiment, the second air pump 131 is further arranged with the one-way valve 118, for blocking air in the inflatable body flowing to the external space after the second air pump 131 stops. The one-way valve 118 is connected to the air supplement pipe 146.
As another example, as shown in FIG. 12, the second air pump 131 may be arranged independent from the first housing 104. In this example, a second housing 132 may be further disposed. The second housing 132 is a box-shaped cavity provided with a cavity opening. The second air pump 131 is arranged inside the second housing 132. In addition, the cavity opening on the second housing 132 may be covered by a second panel 133. Preferably, the second air pump 131 is a silent diaphragm pump, so as to reduce noise of the second air pump 131 during work.
In addition, at least one shock absorber 144 connected to the second air pump 131 may be further disposed. The shock absorber 144 may be arranged between the second air pump 131 and the first housing 104, and with at least the first end being connected to the second air pump 131. In addition, a second mounting frame is connected to the second housing 132, and a second end of the shock absorber 144 is connected to the second mounting frame.
Switching to FIG. 13, a line-controlled electric air pump is illustrated. In this embodiment, a controller 153 is further configured. The controller 153 is configured with a first input unit, the first input unit has a first inflating signal input device 107-1, a second inflating signal input device 107-2, a third inflating signal input device 107-3 and a deflating signal input device 107-4. As an example, when any one of the four input devices is pressed for the first time, a corresponding inflating signal or deflating signal will be respectively sent to the central control unit 103, and when the input device is pressed once again, then a corresponding stop signal will be generated. Certainly, in the present disclosure, a stop signal input device may be independently disposed. The controller 153 may include an input control unit connected to the central control unit 103 via wire 156. In some embodiment, the input control unit may be arranged inside a housing of the controller 153.
Although the present disclosure has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure covers changes and modifications made to the present disclosure that fall into scopes defined by the claims and equivalent technical solutions thereof.

Claims

1. An electric air pump comprising:

a first housing comprising a cavity with a cavity opening, said cavity defining a space;

a first air pump arranged inside said cavity for charging air into an inflatable body or discharging air from said inflatable body, said first air pump being provided with a fan blade cover, said fan blade cover dividing said cavity into a fan blade cavity and a driving cavity, and said driving cavity being in communication with an external space;

a switch driving device arranged inside said driving cavity, connected to said first air pump, and adapted to drive a switching between two or more air passages;

an air pressure sensor arranged inside said driving cavity and in communication with said inflatable body for detecting an internal pressure value of said inflatable body;

a central control unit arranged inside said driving cavity and electrically connected to said first air pump, said switching driving device, and said air pressure sensor; and

at least one panel covering the cavity opening of said cavity.

2. The electric air pump of claim 1, wherein a first vent hole is arranged on said panel, and a vent pipe in communication with said first vent hole is arranged at said first vent hole.

3. The electric air pump of claim 2 further comprising:

a first input unit connected to said central control unit,

wherein said first input unit is provided with at lest one of an inflating signal input device for sending an inflating signal to the central control unit, a deflating signal input device for sending a deflating signal to the central control unit, and a stop signal input device for sending a stop signal to the central control unit.

4. The electric air pump of claim 3, wherein said first input unit comprises a first inflating signal input device, a second inflating signal input device, and a third inflating signal input device corresponding to three different predetermined inflation pressure values respectively.

5. The electric air pump of claim 3, wherein said first input unit comprises an inflation pressure input device for manually setting an inflation pressure value, said inflation pressure input device is provided with at least one pressure setting button and a switch button.

6. The electric air pump of claim 3, wherein said first input unit is a first touch screen.

7. The electric air pump of claim 3, wherein said first input unit is arranged on said panel.

8. The electric air pump of claim 1 further comprising: a first display unit arranged on said panel, connected to said central control unit, and receiving a display signal generated by said central control unit.

9. The electric air pump of claim 8, wherein said first display unit is an electronic display screen, a display lamp, or a second touch screen.

10. The electric air pump of claim 1, wherein said first air pump comprises:

said fan blade cover having a first air inlet and a first air outlet;

an impeller arranged inside said fan blade cavity; and

a motor arranged inside said driving cavity and arranged on said fan blade cover, said motor being connected to said central control unit, a rotary shaft of said motor passing through said first air inlet and being connected to said impeller, and said switch driving device being connected to said first air outlet.

11. The electric air pump of claim 1, wherein a probe of said air pressure sensor is arranged inside said driving cavity and in communication with a pressure measuring hole on said first housing, said pressure measuring hole is in communication with the inflatable body.

12. The electric air pump of claim 11, wherein the probe of said air pressure sensor is positioned at said pressure measuring hole.

13. The electric air pump of claim 11, wherein the probe of said air pressure sensor is in communication with the inflatable body via a pressure-measuring air tube which has two ends respectively connected to said probe and said pressure measuring hole.

14. The electric air pump of claim 1, wherein said first housing comprises a second vent hole in communication with the inflatable body, with a one-way valve arranged at said second vent hole.

15. The electric air pump of claim 1, wherein said switch driving device comprises:

a motor drive unit connected to said central control unit, said central control unit being adapted to send a starting signal to activate said motor, and

an air passage switch device connected to a first air outlet of said first air pump and in communication with a first vent hole of said panel and said second vent hole of said first housing,

wherein said two or more air passages are selected from an inflation air passage, a deflating air passage, and a closed air passage.

16. The electric air pump of claim 15, wherein said switch driving device further comprises: at least one position signal generating device arranged inside said driving cavity and connected to said central control unit.

17. The electric air pump of claim 1, wherein said central control unit comprises:

a main control unit arranged inside said driving cavity and connected to said first air pump, said switch driving device, and said air pressure sensor, and

an input control unit connected to said main control unit and said first input unit.

18. The electric air pump of claim 16, wherein said position signal generating device comprises:

a first position signal generating device, wherein said first position signal generating device is configured to be triggered by said air passage switch device, when the air passage switch device is switched to the inflation air passage, to generate a first position signal and send the same to said central control unit;

a second position signal generating device, wherein said second position signal generating device is configured to be triggered by said air passage switch device, when the air passage switch device is switched to the deflating air passage, to generate a second position signal and send the same to said central control unit; and

a third position signal generating device, wherein said third position signal generating device is configured to be triggered by said air passage switch device, when the air passage switch device is switched to the closed air passage, to generate a third position signal and send the same to said central control unit.

19. The electric air pump of claim 18, wherein said first, said second, or said third position signal generating device is a microswitch, a photoelectric switch, or a reed switch.

20. The electric air pump of claim 18, wherein said air passage switch device comprises:

an outer pipe in communication with said second vent hole of said first housing and connected to an air outlet of said fan blade cover; and

an inner pipe, wherein said inner pipe is partially arranged inside said outer pipe, wherein said inner pipe is adapted to move axially and fitted rotatably in said outer pipe, wherein a first end of said inner pipe is in communication with a first vent hole of said panel.

21. The electric air pump of claim 20, wherein said outer pipe comprises:

a first opening positioned at a first end of the outer pipe, said inner pipe being arranged inside said outer pipe via said first opening;

a second opening positioned at a second end of the outer pipe and connected to said second vent hole;

a third opening positioned on the pipe wall of the outer pipe and in communication with said driving cavity;

a fourth opening positioned on the pipe wall of the outer pipe and align axially to said third opening, said fourth opening being in communication with said driving cavity; and

an air inlet passage connected to a first air outlet of said fan blade cover.

22. The electric air pump of claim 20, wherein said inner pipe comprises:

a fifth opening positioned at the first end of the inner pipe, said inner pipe being partially and movably sheathed on the outer side of said vent pipe via said fifth opening;

a sixth opening positioned at a second end of the inner pipe and in communication with said second vent hole;

a seventh opening positioned on the pipe wall of the inner pipe;

an eighth opening located on the pipe wall of the inner pipe opposite to said seventh opening; and

a spacer arranged inside the inner pipe and dividing the interior of the inner pipe into an upper room and a lower room isolated from each other, said seventh opening and eighth opening being respectively arranged on two sides of said spacer.

23. The electric air pump of claim 21, wherein,

said outer pipe further comprises a slideway arranged on the pipe wall of the outer pipe and has an arc shape which is high in the middle and low at both ends; and

said inner pipe further comprises a sliding block which is arranged on the outer surface of the inner pipe and which is arranged to slide within said slideway so that said inner pipe rotates while axially moves.

24. The electric air pump of claim 14, wherein said one-way valve comprises:

a valve plate for covering said second vent hole, said valve plate being provided with a seal ring;

a valve rod connected to said valve plate and provided at an end with a position limiting element;

a support frame arranged inside the second vent hole, said valve rod passing through said support frame and being adapted to move axially; and

a spring sheathed on the outer side of the valve rod between said position limiting element and support frame, so that said valve plate closes said second vent hole.

25. The electric air pump of claim 24, wherein said first housing further comprises a protection cover covering said second vent hole to protect said one-way valve.

26. The electric air pump of claim 22, wherein said inner pipe further comprises:

a first transmission gear arranged on the outside of said first end of said inner pipe;

a first bump arranged on the outside of said first end of said inner pipe for triggering said third position signal generating device; and

a second bump arranged on the outside of said first end of said inner pipe and at a position opposite to said first bump for triggering said first position signal generating device or a second position signal generating device.

27. The electric air pump of claim 15, wherein said motor drive unit further comprises:

a driving motor;

a second transmission gear connected to a rotary shaft of said driving motor and fitted with said first transmission gear, and

a motor stand connected to said outer pipe, said driving motor being mounted on said motor stand,

wherein said driving motor driving the first transmission gear via the second transmission gear, so that said inner pipe rotates within said outer pipe.

28. The electric air pump of claim 1 further comprising:

a first wireless communication module in communication connection with said central control unit; and

a mobile terminal provided with a second input unit and a second wireless communication module in communication connection with said first wireless communication module, said second input unit being in communication connection with said central control unit via said second wireless communication module and said first wireless communication module, said second input unit provided with at least one of an inflating signal input device for sending an inflating signal to the central control unit, a deflating signal input device for sending a deflating signal to the central control unit, and a stop signal input device for sending a stop signal to the central control unit.

29. The electric air pump of claim 28, wherein said second input unit further comprises a first inflating signal input device, a second inflating signal input device and a third inflating signal input device corresponding to three different predetermined inflation pressure values respectively.

30. The electric air pump of claim 29, wherein said second input unit further comprises an inflation pressure input device for manually setting an inflation pressure value through said mobile terminal and sending the inflation pressure value to said central control unit.

31. The electric air pump of claim 28, wherein said mobile terminal further comprises a second display unit in communication connection with the central control unit via said second wireless communication module and said first wireless communication module, wherein said display unit receives a display signal generated by said central control unit.

32. The electric air pump of claim 28, wherein said first wireless communication module and said second wireless communication module are WIFI modules, Bluetooth modules, infrared modules, second-generation mobile communication modules, third-generation mobile communication modules, or fourth-generation mobile communication modules.

33. The electric air pump of claim 28 further comprising:

a functional unit connected to said central control unit and receiving a control signal from said central control unit,

wherein said first input unit further comprises a signal input device for the functional unit, wherein said first input unit sends a control signal for said functional unit to said central control unit via said signal input device for the functional unit.

34. The electric air pump of claim 33, wherein said second input unit further comprises a signal input device for the functional unit.

35. The electric air pump of claim 33, wherein said functional unit comprises: a temperature controller and a heating unit adapted to be mounted on said inflatable body, an external audio unit, an external lighting unit, and/or an external interface.

36. The electric air pump of claim 10, wherein said motor is a variable speed motor.

37. The electric air pump of claim 10 further comprising:

a second air pump connected to said central control unit for supplementing air for said inflatable body,

wherein said second air pump further comprises:

a second air inlet for allowing air from the external space to enter said second air pump, and

a second air outlet in communication with said inflatable body.

38. The electric air pump of claim 37 further comprising: a shock absorber, at least a first end of said shock absorber being connected to said second air pump.

39. The electric air pump of claim 38 further comprising: a first mounting frame connected to said first housing, a second end of said shock absorber being connected to said first mounting frame.

40. The electric air pump of claim 37, wherein said second air pump is arranged inside said driving cavity, said second air outlet is in communication with the inflatable body via an air supplement pipe, one end of said air supplement pipe is connected to said second air outlet, and the other end is connected to an air supplement port positioned on the first housing.

41. The electric air pump of claim 40, wherein said second air pump comprises a one-way valve connected to said air supplement pipe for blocking the air in said inflatable body flowing to the external space after said second air pump stops.

42. The electric air pump of claim 37 further comprising:

a second housing comprising a box-shaped cavity provided with a cavity opening, and a second air outlet,

wherein said second air pump is arranged inside said second housing, and

a second panel covering the cavity opening of said second housing, said second panel being provided with a second air inlet.

43. The electric air pump of claim 42, further comprising: at least one shock absorber, a first end of said at least one shock absorber being connected to said second air pump.

44. The electric air pump of claim 43 further comprising: a second mounting frame connected to said second housing, a second end of said shock absorber being connected to said second mounting frame.

45. The electric air pump of claim 37, wherein said second air pump is a silent diaphragm pump.

46. The electric air pump of claim 3 further comprising: a controller, wherein said controller is provided with said first input unit.